The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is an annual scholarship examination started in 1963 by the National Council of Education Research and Training. Once students qualify for the NTSE scholarship, they receive benefits till completing their studies regardless of parental income or domicile, as long as they maintain over 60% marks. The exam has two stages - stage 1 is conducted by states and stage 2 is conducted nationally. Scholarship amounts are Rs. 1250 per month for classes 11-12, Rs. 2000 per month for undergraduate/postgraduate studies, and determined by UGC for Ph.D. Scholarships are paid directly to awardees' joint accounts and may be forfeited for dropping below first class marks, studying abroad